This Walt Disney World journey refurbishment calendar lists the closure schedule for 2023 at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom. Points of interest shut for routine upkeep, security upgrades, enhancements, and reimaginings. (Up to date January 23, 2023.)
Whereas nobody needs attraction downtime throughout their journey to Walt Disney World, refurbishments are essential to hold the rides wanting good (and secure!) for future guests. Often, there are solely a handful of simultaneous closures, plus new sights being constructed. Word that the checklist beneath contains a number of refurbishments which have both been scheduled last-minute, prolonged, or are longer than regular.
For those who’re visiting Walt Disney World the final week of January 2023, it’s notably brutal. Not solely did one in every of Walt Disney World’s most main sights simply completely shut, however key transportation and each water parks are additionally at the moment closed. Right here’s a rundown of what to anticipate this month and past in 2023…
There’s additionally a variety of development occurring, albeit not practically as a lot as even just a few years in the past. Nevertheless, that massively understates the present closures and impression of development on guests to Walt Disney World all through 2023.
At Epcot specifically, the refurbishment checklist is misleading, as colossal modifications have begun that aren’t totally mirrored on the checklist beneath. There are partitions up round a lot of the entrance of Epcot, with bypasses in place that lead friends previous the middle of the park. These have just lately barely shrunk in measurement because of a brand new path in entrance of Connections Cafe and Creations Store, however they received’t be gone fully till someday in 2023.
In order for you all the newest updates on attraction closures and journey refurbishments–subscribe to our free Walt Disney World e mail publication. We additionally share different information and on-the-ground stories from the parks, when reductions are launched, and far more.
Right here is the present schedule of Walt Disney World refurbishments to sights, when the closure begins, and when the refurbishment will conclude, up to date as of January 23, 2023:
Animal Kingdom
- Kali River Rapids – At present Closed Via Mid-March 2023
- Maharajah Jungle Trek – Aviary At present Closed (Reopening TBD)
- Primeval Whirl – Completely Closed & Demolished
Kali River Rapids is closing in Winter 2023 for routine upkeep and as a consequence of a scarcity of demand for water rides when the climate is colder. This occurs with out fail between November and March, normally reopening in time for busier timeframes. Whereas the reopening date has not but been revealed, our greatest guess could be in time for Orange County’s Spring Break (March 13-17, 2023).
Moreover, the Maharajah Jungle Trek aviary is at the moment closed, with the reopening possible for Presidents’ Day or Spring Break. Nevertheless, the tiger viewing space–the principle draw–stays open, with a bypass across the aviary. So no large loss there.
The opposite closure at Animal Kingdom is Primeval Whirl, which is a precursor for what’s to come back sooner or later. All of Dino-Rama is more likely to shut in some unspecified time in the future in 2023, as that’s the subsequent massive growth web site at Walt Disney World. This was primarily confirmed throughout the D23 Expo. Throughout that, Disney shared potential growth plans for a substitute of Dino-Rama, together with detailed idea artwork for a Moana Mini-Land at Animal Kingdom.
One other risk is a Zootopia Enlargement for Animal Kingdom that will be constructed past Dino-Rama. The idea artwork present that each of those proposals are concurrently viable. The element of the idea artwork suggests they’re far alongside within the growth. The caveats supplied by Disney point out that they’ve not but been greenlit or funded, which means that they could by no means occur. No matter what finally ends up changing it, it’s clear that Dino-Rama’s days are numbered.
Magic Kingdom
- Enchanted Tales with Belle – Reopening February 19, 2023
- Enchantment Fireworks – Ending April 2, 2023
- Fortunately Ever After Fireworks – Returning on April 3, 2023
- Splash Mountain – Completely Closed
- Tiana’s Bayou Journey – Opening in Late 2024 or 2025
- TRON Lightcycle Run – Opening April 4, 2023
With stage exhibits and parades now again, issues are largely again to the pre-closure regular at Magic Kingdom. It solely took nearly two years! Subsequent up, Ariel’s Grotto and Enchanted Tales with Belle, which have been two of the final holdouts when it comes to devoted venues.
The large replace as of January 23, 2023 is that Splash Mountain is now completely closed. Yesterday was its last day of operations in Magic Kingdom, and throngs of followers have been readily available for its farewell. Imagineering has wasted no time in starting the transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Journey, which is tentatively slated to open in Late 2024.
Already, development partitions are up round Chick-A-Pin Hill and Imagineers have been noticed on and across the attraction starting work on the overhaul. The transformation timeline is an aggressive one, and we’re skeptical that Tiana’s Bayou Journey will truly open in 2024. Extra possible, it’ll be delayed till 2025. That’s truly our hope–as we wish to see this reimagining carried out correct justice, with the size and high quality that the long-lasting attraction deserves.
For those who didn’t get an opportunity to say your last goodbye to Splash Mountain, maybe that’s an excellent factor. Splash Mountain has been in tough form for some time, and is on the level that it’s not even present prepared anymore. The lighting isn’t even on in some scenes, a number of Audio Animatronics are damaged, and the backgrounds simply look soiled and drained. Walt Disney World stopped spending cash on routine upkeep and maintenance months in the past…and it exhibits! The model that exists in your reminiscence is sort of definitely the one which exists within the park.
With that stated, there nonetheless is not any time limit for Splash Mountain at Disneyland, so that you in all probability have not less than just a few weeks to get on the market if you wish to send-off that model of the attraction. Our expectation is that it closes very quickly. Presumably shortly after Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens or Toontown returns. Disney can’t hold kicking the can down the street on its closure and nonetheless open the Disneyland model in 2024.
EPCOT
- EPCOT Perpetually – Returning on April 3, 2023
- Harmonious – Ending on April 2, 2023
As coated in Fortunately Ever After & EPCOT Perpetually Fireworks Return Dates!, Harmonious will likely be dismantled and a brand new everlasting nighttime spectacular will exchange it in late 2023. Within the meantime, the interim EPCOT Perpetually will return for the third time in as a few years. No different refurbishments are at the moment occurring at EPCOT.
Don’t let the shortage of journey closures idiot you into pondering EPCOT is in nice form. On the contrary, the core of the park continues to be a sea of development partitions with a large dust pit within the center. Issues have improved with the opening of Creations Store, Membership Cool, and Connections Cafe & Eatery. With the opening of this, the trail connecting Spaceship Earth to World Showcase is again, which is a welcome aid.
Talking of Spaceship Earth, our expectation is that it’ll go down for a prolonged refurbishment in some unspecified time in the future someday in 2023. This might embody the previously-announced reimagining. Both means, there’s appreciable work needing to be carried out on the journey system that may’t wait an excessive amount of longer.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Frozen Sing-Alongside Celebration – Closed by means of January 27, 2023
- Jedi Coaching Academy: Trials of the Temple – Completely Ended
- Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Closing February 20, 2023 by means of Summer time 2023
- Star Wars: Galactic Spectacular – Completely Ended
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – At present Closed
“For the First Time in Perpetually: A Frozen Sing-Alongside Celebration” beforehand was scheduled to go darkish within the fall low season for just a few weeks, however was formally delayed till January 2023. Walt Disney World calls this one a “routine refurbishment.”
One other routine refurbishment in line with Walt Disney World is the multi-month closure of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith. We cowl downtime particulars and why the favored curler coaster wants a prolonged refurbishment in that submit. Plus, what’s NOT taking place–quashing “rumors” about Taylor Swift, Hannah Montana, or Black Panther (fairly the trio!) upfront…
Exterior Theme Parks
- Blizzard Seashore Water Park – Closed January 23, 2023 (As a result of chilly climate)
- Hurricane Lagoon Water Park – Reopening date TBD (Probably Spring 2023)
- Disney Skyliner Gondolas – Closed till January 29, 2023
All routes of the Skyliner will shut in late January 2023 “with a purpose to keep the very best high quality requirements,” in line with Walt Disney World, suggesting that is merely routine preventative upkeep.
Bus transportation will likely be accessible in any respect Disney Skyliner Resorts all through the deliberate closure so friends can attain their desired locations throughout Walt Disney World.
In any other case, the attraction closures above are fairly straight-forward. To the extent that particular dates will not be but listed, these will likely be up to date as soon as Walt Disney World offers exact begin and/or finish dates.
Along with scheduled attraction refurbs, unscheduled downtime also can happen throughout a go to. This normally solely happens for just a few hours at a time, so when you discover an attraction is closed throughout your trip and it’s not listed beneath, it’s possible a brief closure that can final (at most) for just a few hours. Examine with close by Forged Members to substantiate.
For resort work, please see our 2023 Walt Disney World Lodge Development & Refurbishments. If you’re anxious that any of resort lodge renovations will impression your keep, right here’s a common rule to bear in mind: room refurbishments hardly ever impression lodge stays. These happen in particular clusters, and also you’ll hardly ever discover the work being carried out.
Now, right here’s a little bit of my philosophy regarding refurbishments…
Normal Ideas on Refurbishments
When information comes out about any refurbishment, my rapid response is all the time, “that is nice–it means they’re truly doing one thing to the attraction!” My thoughts races with the chances of how sights could possibly be improved or plussed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Regardless that we’d miss it on our subsequent Walt Disney World go to, I’m all the time excited.
In studying suggestions from others, I’ve found this angle places me within the minority. Others on-line fume about this, and the way it could alter or impression their trip plans. The saying “trip ruined” has attained near-meme standing amongst some followers, and that felt apt for among the complaints. I can perceive the attitude. Assessing the scope of the refurbishment upfront, scheduling liberal refurbishment dates, and opening early (under-promising and over-delivering) is all the time preferable to the choice.
I also can perceive that there’s different pent-up frustration at play right here, starting from radio-silence on initiatives to Walt Disney World’s tardiness in releasing park hours whereas anticipating friends to plan a number of months upfront. Neither of those strikes by Disney, amongst others, are defensible. At greatest, this communication is poor visitor service. At worst, it’s demonstrative of a contemptible angle in the direction of friends.
Nevertheless, I stay of the mindset that this refurbishment extension–and different present refurbishments–is doubtlessly an excellent factor. Among the many most vocal followers upset concerning the extension are those that are like me: friends who go to Walt Disney World not less than every-other yr. We’re taking part in the ‘lengthy’ fandom sport. We will look again on the times of the notorious wand over Spaceship Earth and are additionally wanting ahead to Walt Disney World’s fiftieth Anniversary.
From my perspective, investing within the long-term high quality of an attraction is much extra vital than the short-term satisfaction I’ll get out of using it on my subsequent go to. I get excited when eager about methods rides could possibly be plussed, bettering the expertise for years to come back. This is the reason it all the time perplexes me when regulars contend that their trip will likely be ruined as a result of their favourite attraction will likely be closed.
If it’s your favourite attraction and also you’re lively within the Disney fan group, which means you’ve been to Walt Disney World earlier than and possibly will go to once more. It might thus stand to purpose that you’d need one thing you like to get the TLC it deserves, and proceed to enhance.
DINOSAUR works as an excellent instance right here. This attraction was once referred to as Countdown to Extinction (“CTX”) earlier than an ill-advised film tie-in was added. Throughout that period, DINOSAUR had a litany of extra results, lots of its AAs had better performance, and the attraction was, as a complete, extra spectacular.
If you’re a long-term fan, would you quite expertise DINOSAUR each single yr with 66% of the consequences working, or each single yr minus one with 95% of the consequences working? For me, the reply to that’s straightforward. I’ll take a superior long run expertise each time. (That that is even a professional query for long-time followers speaks to the ‘immediate gratification’ nature of issues at present, however that’s properly past the scope of this submit.)
Past that, there’s the far more compelling justification for normal refurbishments: they’re important for the protection of sights. Whereas we consider these sights as all enjoyable and video games that provide a secure sense of exhilaration, that’s when they’re correctly maintained.
It’s disagreeable to consider, however there have been a number of preventable deaths within the historical past of Disney’s parks. Throughout a darkish period of Disneyland historical past, improper upkeep was the reason for demise on Massive Thunder Mountain (fortunately, Paul Pressler’s reign of terror is over). Years of neglect at Disneyland Paris have led to incidents of damage that could possibly be attributed to a scarcity of upkeep (once more, this has been addressed).
This isn’t meant to scare anybody or provoke an emotional response; the very fact is that Disney’s worldwide security file is sterling as in comparison with different park operators. It’s nonetheless vital to do not forget that these enjoyable, ‘magical’ locations additionally exist in the true world and use a variety of doubtlessly harmful components if security is just not considered as key. (Or, in Disney’s case, one of many “5 Keys.”)
With regards to upkeep that isn’t important to the secure operation of an attraction, we’re left to ponder what quantity of present high quality ought to be accepted. If following a strict Nunisian practitioner of the 4 Keys, present is one other paramount consideration, and it ought to all the time be 100%. That is good company propaganda, however I feel the sensible actuality is that 100% is an unworkably excessive threshold in lots of circumstances.
I feel now we have seen this play out with Expedition Everest. Followers joke concerning the “Disco Yeti” and lament the truth that this jaw-dropping Audio Animatronics determine has not labored in practically a decade. There are quite a few theories as to why the Yeti hasn’t been fastened; what every of those share is that there are large-scale issues and no fast fixes.
Fixing the Yeti would require a closure of not less than 6 months, and be fairly costly. The working Yeti is really a powerful sight to behold (and one most of you in all probability haven’t seen in A-mode until you rode over a decade in the past), however the attraction continues to be spectacular with the Disco Yeti. At this level, it’s possible that Disney has decided the closure would take too lengthy, value an excessive amount of, and the advance wouldn’t be definitely worth the funding.
There’s additionally the truth that Animal Kingdom is missing in rides. Even after the opening of Pandora – World of Avatar, the park nonetheless is heavy on exhibits and animal displays and light-weight on rides. Taking one of many park’s flagship rides down for six months to a yr to repair one Audio Animatronics determine that friends see for 1-2 seconds won’t be definitely worth the sacrifice.
As a staunch proponent of present high quality, I’ve a tough time accepting the identical argument for any attraction in Magic Kingdom, a park with a veritable “mountain vary” and various slate of different sights. The truth is, the identical goes for each fort park. These parks have sufficient sights to select up the slack if 1-2 sights must be taken offline concurrently with out ruining any holidays.
Company are understandably involved when it seems an inordinate variety of sights are closing throughout their trip. Walt Disney World holidays will not be low cost and are sometimes as soon as in a lifetime experiences. First-timers definitely don’t wish to miss out on experiences about which they’ve learn in depth hype.
Nevertheless, the issue with a “not throughout my trip” angle like that is that it’s all the time going to be somebody’s (or tens of hundreds of someones) trip. If sights with present high quality points don’t shut for refurbishments for concern of some friends throughout a time-limited window lacking out, all friends in perpetuity are going to have a lesser expertise.
Working an attraction with damaged results is barely going to compound issues, and finally a single damaged impact will flip into myriad damaged results. Think about this state of affairs park-wide, performed out to its pure penalties. That’s not precisely what I’d name the “Disney Distinction.”
Once more, DINOSAUR is an efficient instance right here. If it’s your first go to and also you expertise DINOSAUR with 66% of the consequences working, you received’t know what you’re lacking. Using it can, little question, be superior to not using it. Nevertheless, I’m guessing your satisfaction score of the attraction wouldn’t be practically as excessive, and also you may query why so many individuals love the attraction, and why Disney was lazy with a lot empty, darkish area. (Or, maybe you received’t: when you solely ever eat pet food, you received’t know what you’re lacking in a pleasant steak.)
The factor is, if Disney wouldn’t shut DINOSAUR throughout your trip so that you don’t miss out on it, chances are high that they’d lengthen the identical “courtesy” for different friends, and it could be commonplace working process to by no means shut something throughout anybody’s trip.
The top results of this might be a park filled with “66% sights” and first-timers could be left questioning why there was a lot hype about Walt Disney World, within the first place. For those who’re studying this as a lifelong fan, take into account the likelihood that you just wouldn’t have turn out to be a lifelong fan if this have been truly Disney’s modus operandi. (The truth is, I’d argue that Walt Disney World is trending on this path, dragging its ft on a number of mandatory refurbishments, with the inaction being predicated upon quick time period visitor satisfaction or cost-savings.)
This may sound like we’re making use of ‘heavy’ Rawlsian concept to the lighthearted matter of theme parks, however philosophy isn’t price a rattling if it could actually’t be utilized to theme parks. 😉
Plenty of this may seem to be an effort to absolve Disney of blame in relation to refurbishments, however this isn’t the case. Disney has introduced a variety of the visitor unrest regarding refurbishments upon itself. The primary challenge is that Disney has quite a few parks which have opened within the final 20 years with incomplete slates of sights, making it tough to justify taking sights offline for refurbishment. So the first step, a completely impractical step at this level, could be to open theme parks which are full on day one.
Failing that, Disney might keep away from a variety of the visitor backlash regarding refurbishments if they’d schedule extra 3-4 day refurbishments of sights to proactively tackle issues with preventative upkeep. Though this might not completely negate the necessity for prolonged refurbishments, it could enhance present high quality throughout the board and assist keep away from a variety of conditions the place sights must abruptly shut as a result of they’re in dire want of upkeep. Furthermore, a 3-4 day refurbishment is shorter than the length of most holidays, permitting vacationers to successfully plan across the refurbishment.
On this case, each events planning forward would forestall these “trip ruined!” complaints. Don’t fear, Disney, we followers are resilient: we’ll nonetheless discover one thing else to complain about. 😉
Joking apart, I understand that’s a tricky line to attract between an excusable refurbishment and a frustratingly irritating one. Even when you subscribe to the a point of the ‘philosophy’ I’m advancing, there isn’t a bright-line rule. It’s nonetheless going to quantity to a worth judgment about what ought to ‘set off’ a necessity for refurbishment, what number of sights ought to be down concurrently throughout Walt Disney World, and what occasions of yr are perfect for which refurbishments.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study resorts on our Walt Disney World Inns Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every thing you have to know!
Your Ideas
Any questions concerning the present refurbishments at Walt Disney World? What do you concentrate on refurbishments on the Disney Parks? Are you extra involved about an improved long-term expertise, or do you assume “not throughout my trip!”? The place do you draw the road? Every other elements you assume are price contemplating? As talked about, we predict it is a dialog, so please share your ‘refurbishment philosophy’, or another ideas or questions you’ve, within the feedback!